Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, but his opposite side of the ball lacks the same assurance.
On June 4, Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News described the Broncos’ acquisition of cornerback Levi Wallace as the team’s worst offseason decision.
“Despite giving Wallace just two years at $8 million, the Broncos acquired one of the league’s most vulnerable starters in Wallace, who will undoubtedly be used against the untraded Patrick Surtain II,” Iyer said.
Wallace did get a $8 million, two-year contract, but it wasn’t with the Broncos. In March 2022, it was with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In reality, Wallace is collecting a starter’s salary in Denver thanks to a one-year, $1.29 million contract that was signed in April 22.
Levi Wallace Doesn’t Appear to Be a Long-Term Fix at All CB
In 2022, Wallace was a reliable cornerback, but in 2023, he came under pressure.
Wallace was targeted 71 times in 2023, making him one of the most targeted cornerbacks in the NFL, so his two interceptions were a little misleading, according to PFF, who reports that Wallace graded out at an abysmal 57.8 percent.
Early in the season, Wallace suffered a major defeat when he failed to close the gap on San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey during a 65-yard touchdown run. The play was made in front of the home crowd, which made Steelers supporters remember it forever.
Wallace started 18 games, had six interceptions, and 24 pass deflections in his two seasons with the Steelers.
Wallace joined the Buffalo Bills in 2018 as an undrafted free agent after winning two national titles at Alabama. Before joining with the Steelers in 2022, he spent four seasons as a player for the Bills.
